Frame saver

ABSTRACT

The Frame Saver is essentially a brace that is specially designed to reinforce frame stands when they lose their stability. Manufactured of a durable thermoplastic plastic material, this product is a splint-type apparatus, configured to slide directly onto the frame stand at the point of compromise. The device of the present invention comprises an essentially rectangular configuration comprising a sleeve having two opposing rigid sides that are configured to receive a cardboard frame support as is commonly found on table top frames

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/206,986 filed Feb. 6, 2009, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “The Frame Saver.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of picture frames, and more specifically to the field of picture frame stands and even more specifically to the field of picture frame stand repair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for picture frame stands. These include:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,026 to Smith describes a picture frame stand which comprises a triangular support which force fits into the back of a picture frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,526 to Wallon describes picture frame stand clip for fortifying the support member of a picture frame stand.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,827 to Holmes describes a picture frame and stand therefore comprising a clip for insertion into the base of the frame, wherein the clip is designed to receive a leg of a stand which supports the picture frame.

None of these prior art references describe the picture frame stand repair device of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a brace for fitting over a damaged or bent picture fame support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention mounted on the support member of a picture frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Table or desk frames can, over time, start to lose their sturdiness. The hinge-mounted stand that keeps these frames upright, mostly made of a cardboard material, can start to buckle and crack. As a result, the support for these frames is compromised if not completely ruined, leaving consumers no choice but to purchase a replacement.

Recognizing the potential for a simple, inexpensive means of prolonging the stands on desk and table frames, the present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Frame Saver was developed. Simply stated, the Frame Saver is essentially a brace that is specially designed to reinforce frame stands when they lose their stability.

Manufactured of a durable thermoplastic plastic material, this product is a splint-type apparatus, configured to slide directly onto the frame stand at the point of compromise.

The device of the present invention comprises an essentially rectangular configuration comprising a sleeve having two opposing rigid sides that are configured to receive a cardboard frame support as is commonly found on table top frames. The two opposing rigid sides are joined or “folded” along one edge to allow an opening of about one-quarter to about one-eighth inch wide at the opposite edge to receive the frame support. The two opposing rigid sides can also feature a flared opening to more easily receive the cardboard picture frame support.

Offered in a one size fits all construction, the Frame Saver could easily accommodate any size frame, from larger 11″×14″ frames to the more compact 5″×7″. In an alternative embodiment, The Frame Saver can be constructed in a variety of specific sizes. As many consumers own treasured family photographs that are encased in their original frames, the frames themselves can be just as irreplaceable as the pictures inside.

By way of example, a photo of one's grandparents on their wedding day, taken in 1950, is framed within an ornate, gold plated frame that is also almost 60 years old. A veritable antique, such a frame should be properly maintained. With a product such as the Frame Saver, the owner of the photograph need never worry that the inevitable buckling of the stand will prevent the picture from being properly displayed.

By simply sliding a Frame Saver onto the backing's stand, the picture is able to rigidly remain in an upright position, easily seen and enjoyed by several generations. Moreover, the frame will not have to be replaced, as the Frame Saver extends the life of the antique for many more years to come. Simple in design yet extremely effective in application, the Frame Saver is sure to be well received by the vast majority of the consumer populace.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 

1. A brace to fit over the frame support of table top picture frames, comprising durable thermoplastic material and essentially rectangular in configuration comprising a sleeve having two opposing rigid sides having a first end and a second end, wherein the rigid sides are configured to receive a cardboard frame support wherein the two opposing rigid sides are joined or “folded” along one edge to allow an opening at the opposite edge to receive the frame support.
 2. The brace of claim 2 further wherein the two opposing rigid sides comprise a flared opening to more easily receive the cardboard picture frame support.
 3. The brace of claim 1 wherein the opening is about one-quarter to about one-eighth inch wide.
 4. The brace of claim 1 sized to accommodate a standard 5″ by 7″ frame.
 5. The brace of claim 1 sized to accommodate a standard 8″ by 10″ frame.
 6. The brace of claim 1 sized to accommodate a standard 11″ by 14″ frame.
 7. The brace of claim 1 sized to accommodate more than one size frame. 